heel turn: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, technical (pro-wrestling), figurative
Quick answer
What does “heel turn” mean?
In professional wrestling, a dramatic change in a character's role from heroic ('face') to villainous ('heel').
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In professional wrestling, a dramatic change in a character's role from heroic ('face') to villainous ('heel').
A sudden, shocking, and often cynical betrayal of one's previous values, principles, or loyalties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in meaning. The term originates from American professional wrestling but is understood globally in that context. In metaphorical use, it is likely more common in American-influenced media and commentary.
Connotations
In both regions, the term retains its strong association with wrestling and staged performance. Metaphorical use often feels vivid and culturally specific.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language; high frequency within discussions of pro-wrestling, reality TV, and political/media analysis where performative betrayal is a theme.
Grammar
How to Use “heel turn” in a Sentence
pull a heel turnperform a heel turndo a heel turnN's heel turn (e.g., *the politician's heel turn*)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “heel turn” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The champion shocked the crowd by heel-turning on his tag partner mid-match.
- Has he fully heel-turned yet, or is it just a storyline?
American English
- The star athlete heel-turned against his hometown team in a brutal interview.
- They're setting up the character to heel turn by the season finale.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically for a CEO or company dramatically abandoning core principles for profit (e.g., 'The tech giant's heel turn on user privacy shocked the industry.').
Academic
Rare. Might appear in cultural studies papers analyzing performativity in media or politics.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Used knowingly by fans of wrestling or pop culture to describe a friend's surprising betrayal of taste or loyalty.
Technical
Standard term in professional wrestling scripting, booking, and fan discussion.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “heel turn”
- Using it for any simple change of opinion (requires an element of betrayal or shocking reversal).
- Spelling as 'heal turn'.
- Confusing with 'face turn' (the opposite: becoming a hero).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A heel turn implies a betrayal of previously stated loyalties or principles, often done dramatically and for perceived gain. It's not a simple change of opinion.
Yes, it's commonly used metaphorically in politics, entertainment journalism, and business to describe a shocking and cynical reversal.
A 'face turn' or 'babyface turn,' where a villainous character becomes heroic.
No, it is informal and originates from a specific subculture. Its metaphorical use remains vivid and colloquial.
In professional wrestling, a dramatic change in a character's role from heroic ('face') to villainous ('heel').
Heel turn: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhiːl ˌtɜːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhil ˌtɝn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “stab in the back”
- “sell out”
- “turn one's coat”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'heel' as the bad guy in an old cowboy movie, who 'turns' to face you with a sneer.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS/LOYALTY IS PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING. PUBLIC LIFE IS A STAGED PERFORMANCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the phrase 'heel turn' be MOST appropriate?